How to Measure a Client for a Body Wrap

Body wraps are a popular treatment in the spa industry. They detoxify the body and result in water loss. The sweating and detox process means your client will lose inches, and to many clients, this is the most important part of the treatment.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper or pre-made chart for recording measurements
• Pen
• Clipboard
• Cloth tape measure

1. Make a chart to record the client's measurements before and after the wrap. List each body part to be measured down the left side of the paper, then make three columns labeled "before," "after" and "difference." Write the client's name, the date and type of wrap on the page, and put the paper on your clipboard. You may choose to use a pre-made chart as they are available at beauty supply stores.

2. Instruct your client to stand in front of you, with arms raised out to the sides. Wrap your measuring tape around the largest part of one of your client's arms. Measure the circumference and record the measurement in the "before" column for that body part. Note the exact area you are measuring so your calculations will be accurate. Repeat the process for the other arm.

3. Measure the chest immediately underneath the breasts (pectoral muscles on a man) with the client's arms still raised. Measure the waist at the smallest point and the hips around the hip bones. Record the readings in the "before" column for each respective body part.

4. Turn your client to the side, and measure her at the largest point of her buttocks, remembering to write down your findings. Turn the client around so she is facing you again, and instruct her to put her arms down and to stand with her legs spread to shoulder width.

5. Wrap your measuring tape around the largest part of each upper thigh and take a reading. Then measure the smallest part of the lower thigh and the client's calves at the largest part. Record your readings. Set your clipboard aside and proceed with the wrap.

6. Get your clipboard and chart when the treatment is complete. Measure the client in the exact same spots as you measured her before. Follow the same procedure, but record your findings in the respective "after" columns.

7. Allow your client get dressed while you step out of the room to add up her inch loss. Subtract the numbers in the "after" column from the "before" column for each body part, and record the result in the "difference" column. Add up the inch loss in the third column, and this is your client's total inch loss.

Tips & Warnings

• Give your client disposable spa undergarments to put on before you start measuring her. This ensures that she is properly covered at all times and allows you to measure her more accurately. Be careful that you do not move too close to the genital area while measuring, as this will make both you and the client uncomfortable.
• Master measuring the basic areas first, then add other areas of the body if you choose.
• Ensure that the client does not possess any contraindications for body wraps, such as circulation problems, diabetes, loss of sensation, pregnancy or heart trouble.
• Don't pull the tape measure tight enough that it pinches the client's skin, but don't let it hang so loose that it slips. The tape should be snug against the body. Be sure that it is not crooked as this will give an inaccurate measurement.

Resources

• See a sample measuring chart.